Susan L. McKinney (1949-2021)

     Susan Lee McKinney, 72, of Palisade, Nebraska, passed away at her home in Palisade on Tuesday morning, August 10, 2021.  She was born in San Luis Obispo, California, to Walden and Erma (Rick) Coffee, on July 8, 1949.  Susie’s father was in the United States Air Force, so her family made homes in many different cities and states until settling in Virginia where Susie would graduate from high school in 1967.  Susie continued her education at Temple Buell College in Denver, Colorado.
     On Halloween day 1970, Susie married Charles Lee McKinney at a Methodist Church in Arvada, Colorado.  The couple made a home in Longmont, Colorado where they worked construction together, mostly installing inside and outside trim.  In 1981, she started her career at the Rocky Flats Plant in Jefferson County, Colorado.  In her 15 years at Rock Flats, Susie would work in the cafeteria, laundry, and also as a secretary.      Susie and Chuck retired to Palisade, Nebraska where they made many close friends.  Susie loved to fish and hunt.  She enjoyed sports and was a Denver Broncos fan.  She kept her mind sharp with puzzles and loved all animals, especially horses.  Susie was an amazing wife and mother; she will be fondly remembered by everyone she knew.
     She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Laura Lee; and a brother-in-law, Earl McKinney.
     Survivors include her husband, Charles “Chuck” McKinney of Palisade; daughter Tina (Rudy) Riepl of Longmont, Colorado; brother, Michael Coffee of Virginia; sister, Kate Preston of New Jersey; brother, Tom (Ilona) Coffee of Virginia; and brother-in-law, John (Martha) McKinney of Pennsylvania.
     Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm (CT), Saturday afternoon, August 14, 2021 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.  Viewing will take place prior to services.  Interment will take place on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 in Mountain View Cemetery in Longmont, Colorado.  Memorials are suggested to the 700 Club, part of the Christian Broadcasting Company, in Susie’s name.  Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com.  Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.